How do you plan for and manage pace on race day? Do you use a running calculator to project based on your shorter race(s) just before the longer race and then run at that pace? Do you run by feel? Do you use a gps watch? Given the cold/bonk this weekend, I'm guessing you went in with a clear plan and with the cold your body wasn't quite there.

That is amazing. You are an inspiration. I am 18 years old and I live in the Bay Area. I have been running since I first joined cross country in my freshman year. I ran my first half-marathon this past summer in August. Then, I had my second this month where I was first in my age division! Now, I am preparing for another half-marathon in Tiburon, CA in this coming November. Starting this personal running career is an amazing and just purely exciting. In time, I want to be able to complete triathlons. For now, I am starting small even though 13.1 miles is still a lot! Anyway, I am debating when I will be ready to run my first full marathon. There is one I am very interested in registering; it is the San Francisco Marathon on July 27th, 2014. I wonder if between now and that date is a good time to prepare while taking consideration of the fact that I am still new to this "career." Is running a full marathon within 9 months too early? Should wait more and train more in the meantime or it is okay? I run up to 20-40 miles a week in every month. The mileage depends on my half-marathon training. It would be great to have an insight and a piece of your wisdom! Thank you!

I don't have a new question, but wanted to say what a pleasure it has been to read your gracious answers to all of the questions we've asked. You are a role model that I sincerely hope to emulate. I have often joked that my goal is to be that 80 year old guy who passes you in the last 10K of a marathon -- and Ed, that is you. You're great.

I am 65 years old, just ran my first marathon June 1st. Now I want to run more, of course, so Do I run 4 or 5 days a week, I have been running 5. How many marathons should you run in a year. I read us normal people should just do 2. I was very excited about your marathon. I am telling everyone who will listen, about it. When I grow up, I want to be you.

Hi Ed,do you bother with supplements ? They seem very expensive and hyped up. I only ever take glucosamine and fish oil and only because my parents bought it for me.Im 45 so worry about joints holding up.

How do you plan for and manage pace on race day? Do you use a running calculator to project based on your shorter race(s) just before the longer race and then run at that pace? Do you run by feel? Do you use a gps watch? Given the cold/bonk this weekend, I'm guessing you went in with a clear plan and with the cold your body wasn't quite there.

Thank you for answering our questions!

Say my last race was a 10K and I am going to run marathon, I look up the nearest 10K time in the age graded tables to the time I ran the 10K then look for the marathon time that corresponds to that 10K time.

I might make relatively small adjustments up or down depending on conditions in the 10K or any other factor that seems relevant. I then calculate what my mile or kilometre split times should depending how the course will be marked. For longer races like a half or full marathon I will write the cumulative split times on a small piece of paper that I carry in my hand. On race day I will make adjustments depending on weather conditions. As the race progresses I check my running time against the cumulative objective at each mile or kilo marker . I also modify my pace early depending how I feel and I check on the runners around me, do they seem like the runners of the same ability as me. I have been generally good at pace judgement, but I do seem to have trouble with my last few marathons getting it right

It is very inspiring to read of your accomplishments, especially given your age. I just ran my first marathon at age 45. I certainly don't feel like I'm 20 anymore, but I certainly don't feel like I thought I would at 45 when I was 20, if that makes sense

I really wish more people would stay exercising throughout their life and take better care of themselves. Don't take this the wrong way, but I'd love to see you have more competition in your age group! Perhaps the news of your feats will waken a few people up to the fact that you're only as old as you feel, and that may inspire them to get off their butts and get moving.

Just finishing a marathon is big accomplishment for many, so congratulations on not only finishing and finishing well, but kicking butt and inspiring at the same time.

I have been asked by Runner's World to answer questions forum members may have during this week. For any who don't know. my single most significant achievement was to be the first and still the only man over 70 to run a marathon in under 3 hours. I have done that 3 times, the best being 2:54:49 at age 73. I am now 82 and hold the marathon world records for age groups M70, M75 and M80. I have also set world records on the road and track for distances as short as 1500m.

Yesterday I ran the Toronto Waterfront marathon in 3:41:58, I was not very happy with that as I hit the wall at 37k and as a consequence lost about 10 minutes.

Ed

Ed,

Your running is amazing.

Can you please share your diet and perhaps some nutritional tips...it's got to be how you fuel...right?

That is amazing. You are an inspiration. I am 18 years old and I live in the Bay Area. I have been running since I first joined cross country in my freshman year. I ran my first half-marathon this past summer in August. Then, I had my second this month where I was first in my age division! Now, I am preparing for another half-marathon in Tiburon, CA in this coming November. Starting this personal running career is an amazing and just purely exciting. In time, I want to be able to complete triathlons. For now, I am starting small even though 13.1 miles is still a lot! Anyway, I am debating when I will be ready to run my first full marathon. There is one I am very interested in registering; it is the San Francisco Marathon on July 27th, 2014. I wonder if between now and that date is a good time to prepare while taking consideration of the fact that I am still new to this "career." Is running a full marathon within 9 months too early? Should wait more and train more in the meantime or it is okay? I run up to 20-40 miles a week in every month. The mileage depends on my half-marathon training. It would be great to have an insight and a piece of your wisdom! Thank you!

I basically don't give advice, I am not a coach and only relate my experiences. If I were in your positionI would gradually up my mileage significantly between now and the marathon not paying any attention to pace. That's what works for me, whether it would work for you is a question. The Japanese guy who was at the marathon with me last weekend and has set world marathon records et ages around 60 trains in a totally different way relying on tempo and interval type training. Chacon a son gout.

I don't have a new question, but wanted to say what a pleasure it has been to read your gracious answers to all of the questions we've asked. You are a role model that I sincerely hope to emulate. I have often joked that my goal is to be that 80 year old guy who passes you in the last 10K of a marathon -- and Ed, that is you. You're great.

Congrats on your amazing achievements! As Ilana said you are truly an inspiration to us older runners.

i am a 50 year old female who has been running for about 15 years. I have been training hard the past few years trying to gain some serious ground on my marathon times but I can't seem to make any significant improvements. My times are all over the place; sometimes "okay" but usually not so great. Do you feel some people Just don't have the right genetics for getting faster? My motivation is suffering right now big time and I don't know whether to keep trying or just call it a day. Any advice?

Hi Ed,do you bother with supplements ? They seem very expensive and hyped up. I only ever take glucosamine and fish oil and only because my parents bought it for me.Im 45 so worry about joints holding up.

I don't use any supplements apart from Glucosamine and vitamin C. I am not convinced that glucosamine is really efficacious but I take it in case it helps my knees, it seems quite cheap. I take vitamin C to ward off colds, didn't help me before last weekend's marathon. Also quite cheap.

It is very inspiring to read of your accomplishments, especially given your age. I just ran my first marathon at age 45. I certainly don't feel like I'm 20 anymore, but I certainly don't feel like I thought I would at 45 when I was 20, if that makes sense

I really wish more people would stay exercising throughout their life and take better care of themselves. Don't take this the wrong way, but I'd love to see you have more competition in your age group! Perhaps the news of your feats will waken a few people up to the fact that you're only as old as you feel, and that may inspire them to get off their butts and get moving.

Just finishing a marathon is big accomplishment for many, so congratulations on not only finishing and finishing well, but kicking butt and inspiring at the same time.

Competition is gradually increasing in the older age groups. Not many yet though. As numbers increase I am sure standards will rise. I'd welcome the chance to measure myself against an 80 year old Kenyan but I don't think that will happen until professionalism hits the 80 year olds. I would not welcome that. I kind of adhere to the old amateur ethos.

I have been asked by Runner's World to answer questions forum members may have during this week. For any who don't know. my single most significant achievement was to be the first and still the only man over 70 to run a marathon in under 3 hours. I have done that 3 times, the best being 2:54:49 at age 73. I am now 82 and hold the marathon world records for age groups M70, M75 and M80. I have also set world records on the road and track for distances as short as 1500m.

Yesterday I ran the Toronto Waterfront marathon in 3:41:58, I was not very happy with that as I hit the wall at 37k and as a consequence lost about 10 minutes.

Ed

Ed,

Your running is amazing.

Can you please share your diet and perhaps some nutritional tips...it's got to be how you fuel...right?

I am 58 started running about 6 years ago

Thank you much!

John H

I could be wrong but I don't think so. I don't pay much attention to my diet

Congrats on your amazing achievements! As Ilana said you are truly an inspiration to us older runners.

i am a 50 year old female who has been running for about 15 years. I have been training hard the past few years trying to gain some serious ground on my marathon times but I can't seem to make any significant improvements. My times are all over the place; sometimes "okay" but usually not so great. Do you feel some people Just don't have the right genetics for getting faster? My motivation is suffering right now big time and I don't know whether to keep trying or just call it a day. Any advice?

As I have said several times now I am reluctant to give advice. I would say only run if you enjoy it or have some specific reason for doing it. Maybe you are too fixated on marathons, shorter races are more fun in lots of ways. I certainly think genes are important to be a successful competitor probably the most important factor

I have been asked by Runner's World to answer questions forum members may have during this week. For any who don't know. my single most significant achievement was to be the first and still the only man over 70 to run a marathon in under 3 hours. I have done that 3 times, the best being 2:54:49 at age 73. I am now 82 and hold the marathon world records for age groups M70, M75 and M80. I have also set world records on the road and track for distances as short as 1500m.

Yesterday I ran the Toronto Waterfront marathon in 3:41:58, I was not very happy with that as I hit the wall at 37k and as a consequence lost about 10 minutes.

Ed

Ed,

Your running is amazing.

Can you please share your diet and perhaps some nutritional tips...it's got to be how you fuel...right?

I am 58 started running about 6 years ago

Thank you much!

John H

I could be wrong but I don't think so. I don't pay much attention to my diet

Hi Ed. Rick Hubka from Vancouver Island Canada here. Several years ago I trained with Roger Davies and Helly Visser from Calgary for a few years. Wonderful Masters Athletes! They told me that whenever they entered a race with you in it they could still win the race because Ed was running a race from another planet.

I'm just turning 60 and would like to know in running what goes first and in what order as we age? We all know most things slow down after 40 something, but I wonder if you have experienced one or more specific aspects depreciating first. Knowing this, maybe we can pay more attention to the engines that fail first.

I have been asked by Runner's World to answer questions forum members may have during this week. For any who don't know. my single most significant achievement was to be the first and still the only man over 70 to run a marathon in under 3 hours. I have done that 3 times, the best being 2:54:49 at age 73. I am now 82 and hold the marathon world records for age groups M70, M75 and M80. I have also set world records on the road and track for distances as short as 1500m.

Yesterday I ran the Toronto Waterfront marathon in 3:41:58, I was not very happy with that as I hit the wall at 37k and as a consequence lost about 10 minutes.

Ed

Ed,

Your running is amazing.

Can you please share your diet and perhaps some nutritional tips...it's got to be how you fuel...right?

I am 58 started running about 6 years ago

Thank you much!

John H

I could be wrong but I don't think so. I don't pay much attention to my diet

Maybe you are wrong...what do you eat, and drink?

This is real news for us mere mortals

As I think I said in a previous post I don't eat a lot meat, but I am far from a vegetarian. Some fish, a fair amount of dairy, milk, butter, cheese. Somewhat heavy on carbohydrates bread, pasta, potatoes, sugar. Various vegetables and fruit. More fats than probably recommended, buttter, cooking oils etc (in fried food). Indulge in some wine and ice cream on almost a daily basis. Probably eat more than would be normal for a person of my physique. Drink a lot of weak tea and two mugs of coffee a day.

Hi Ed. Rick Hubka from Vancouver Island Canada here. Several years ago I trained with Roger Davies and Helly Visser from Calgary for a few years. Wonderful Masters Athletes! They told me that whenever they entered a race with you in it they could still win the race because Ed was running a race from another planet.

I'm just turning 60 and would like to know in running what goes first and in what order as we age? We all know most things slow down after 40 something, but I wonder if you have experienced one or more specific aspects depreciating first. Knowing this, maybe we can pay more attention to the engines that fail first.

Thanks and Take Care Ed

I don't pretend to know much about things medical. I am not sure what specifically has leaked out over the years. Speed and endurance both seem to be going down at similar rates. Roger and Helly are in Brazil at the moment at the WMA championship.

I want to thank you for the answer on Mr. John H about your specific food you eat. I have a very similar type of foods so I don't need to restrict my food intake on carbs and fats as long as it keeps me strong and healthy. May you race for more years to come!

i ran a half last weekend. it was a full out effort the whole time and i got a pr. i was expecting aches and pains for a while afterwards, now i have a bad cold. is it alright to continue to train for philly marathon next month? this is my peak mileage week. i dont want to miss my last long run this weekend, but i may have to. will this have an effect on me?

US military veteran. 30+ yrs. basketball, baseball, skiing, weights. Have endured myriad injuries and through natural healing & prayer overcome them. 46 yrs young and play basketball,weight train and run six days a week. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." 6'2, 206 lbs. ps: iphone and iPad auto-correct are very error prone in Hoopla forum text editor

Hi Ed, congratulations on your many successes. What runners do you admire?

The runner I most admired when young was Sydney Wooderson and I still consider him a fine amateur athlete and gentleman. Look him up on Wikipedia. I think there was some possibility that he could have been the first to run a 4 minute mile if WW2 had not robbed him of his potentially best years

What are some other accomplishments that bring you a sense of joy in your life, or evoke a passion within you?

If you won a trip around the world, where would you go? Name as many places as you like.

Do you ever travel and speak at engagements? I know my triathlon club here in San Diego would LOVE to have you.

How did you meet your wife, whom you said has grace (a good quality, I must add)? Will you share how you got engaged to be married? I adore love stories.

Thank you for doing this.

I really don't like travel much, my least favourite places are airports. I do like train travel. I am not much for public speaking' I don't know what to say without it seeming like boasting to me. I am comfortable being interviewed and answering questions. I met my wife in Toronto through mutual friends. We got married less than 6 months after meeting.

i ran a half last weekend. it was a full out effort the whole time and i got a pr. i was expecting aches and pains for a while afterwards, now i have a bad cold. is it alright to continue to train for philly marathon next month? this is my peak mileage week. i dont want to miss my last long run this weekend, but i may have to. will this have an effect on me?

thanks, seth

I had a cold 2 weeks before last weekend's marathon. I did not train while I had the cold. I still had some lingering effects on race day. I think that did affect my performance adversly. In retrospect I certainly should have reduced my expectations to a greater extent than I did. I don't know how your cold will affect you but that was my experience.

Any words of advice for a 40 year old who just wants to stay healthy and running into her 80's? I've never had a significant injury, but do worry about that a bit as I get older. I think I have fairly good form, though I'll never be as fast as you! You are definitely an inspiration.

Any words of advice for a 40 year old who just wants to stay healthy and running into her 80's? I've never had a significant injury, but do worry about that a bit as I get older. I think I have fairly good form, though I'll never be as fast as you! You are definitely an inspiration.

As I have said before, I don't like to give advice, I think everyone has to work out what is best for them. I am always willing to talk about my experience and people can, if they want, take that into consideration in deciding any choices they want to make. Maybe I'm not a good example, I have had injuries, I run to race not for my health. Good luck.